US-backed Kurdish forces propose 'demilitarised zone' near Syria-Turkey border

Damascus (IANS) The commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, has said that his forces are willing to propose a "demilitarised zone" in the border city of Kobani in the northern countryside of Aleppo. He made the remarks…

Significant damage reported as 7.4 magnitude earthquake hits Vanuatu

Sydney (IANS) A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck South Pacific Ocean nation Vanuatu's capital of Port Vila on Tuesday, causing 'considerable damage' to some buildings, including a shared diplomatic mission. 

The quake hit 30 km west…

Canada political crisis deepens, PM Trudeau faces fresh calls for resignation

Toronto (IANS) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced fresh calls for resignation, hours after Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland quit in a surprise move after disagreeing with him over US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threats. 

Bangladesh plans national election by late 2025 or mid 2026

Dhaka (IANS) Bangladeshi interim government's Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus Monday said it may be possible to hold the next national elections at the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026. 

"The election can be scheduled between the end…

Maritime security in focus, India and Sri Lanka explore agreement on defence cooperation

New Delhi (IANS) Recognising shared security interests and challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), India and Sri Lanka on Monday agreed to advance defence collaboration with New Delhi reiterating its continued commitment to working closely with…

Sri Lankan President receives ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan

New Delhi (IANS) Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake who is on a three-day state visit to New Delhi, was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday, marking his first overseas visit as head of state.  

President…

Russia extends countermeasures against Western oil price cap

Moscow (IANS) Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree extending Moscow's retaliatory measures in response to a Western price cap on Russia's oil until June 30, 2025, according to a document published.

The original decree,…

45 killed, 28 injured in paramilitary forces attacks: Sudanese army

Khartoum (IANS) At least 45 civilians were killed and 28 others injured in an artillery shelling by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on residential neighbourhoods and displacement camps in western Sudan, the Sudanese army said on Friday. 

‘Maverick diplomacy’: Trump invites Xi to inauguration for ‘open dialogue’

New York (IANS) Continuing with his maverick diplomacy, U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump has invited China’s President Xi Jinping to his inauguration next month for “open dialogue” with adversaries, his spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday.

India votes in favour of UNGA resolution for 'immediate, unconditional, permanent' Gaza ceasefire

United Nations (IANS) India has joined 157 other nations in supporting a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution demanding an "immediate, unconditional, and permanent" ceasefire in the war-torn Gaza Strip.   

The UNGA overwhelmingly…